Fluid pump device



Jan. 3, 1967 J. J. SCOTT FLUID PUMP DEVICE Filed 001;. 21, 1965lNVE/VTOR JOSEPH J-SCOTT %J ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,295,453FLUID PUMP DEVICE Joseph J. Scott, Philadelphia, Pa, assignor toAmerican Air 84! Power Company, Philadelphia, Pa, a partnership composedof Joseph J. Scott and Edward A. Wallace Filed Oct. 21, 1965. Ser. No.499,259 11 Claims. (Cl. 103-60) This is a continuation-in-part of mycopen-ding application, Serial No. 428,812, filed January 28, 1965,entitled Fluid Pump Means.

This invention relates, in general, to a fluid pump device, and inparticular, to a fluid pump adaptor which may be detachably connected toa pneumatic reciprocal actuating device such as those embodied in abackfill tamper.

Portable pump units have long been utilized by the construction industryto pump out various construction sites, such as foundations, trenches,etc. The conventional pump unit includes a rotary or reciprocating pump,driven by a portable power source, usually a gasoline engine, allmounted on a portable cart or frame. An intake hose connection isrequired since this well known pump arrangement does not operate whensubmerged in the fluid to be pumped. Naturally, the intake hose must befilled with fluid in order to prime the pump, which is often a timeconsuming chore. In general, the prior art portable pump units are bulkyand unhandy, particularly the larger capacity units. Furthermore, theportable pump units of the past have proven to be undependa'ble, theintake hoses being easily clogged and the underpowered gasoline enginesfrequently being stopped and difiicult to restart.

Therefore, to overcome the foregoing and other difliculties of the priorart, the general object of this invention is to provide a new andimproved portable fluid pump device.

It is the principal object of this invention to provide a novel andimproved fluid pump device adapted for connection on a pneumaticreciprocal actuating means such as the pneumatic actuator of a backfilltamper.

A further object of this invention is to provide a handy, reliable andcompact portable pump unit which may be directly immersed in the fluidto be pumped and simultaneously primed therein.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedportable pump unit which is not readily clogged and which is driven by areliable, not easily stopped, direct reciprocal power source.

An additional object of the invention is to increase the utility of apneumatic activator such as that of a backfill tamper by a quick andeasy adaption into a pneumatic pump unit.

It is still another object to provide a fluid pump device which issimple and rugged in construction for easy operation and maintenance andwhich is economical to produce by utilizing conventional, currentlyavailable standard components and materials that lend themselves tostandard mass production manufacturing techniques.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in thedrawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood,however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had byreferring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which: 7

FEGURE 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of the fluid pumpdevice of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the lower portion ofFEGURE l;

3,295,453 Patented Jan. 3, 1967 FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view ofFIGURE 2 taken in the direction of the arrows 33; and

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional View of FIGURE 2 taken in the direction ofthe arows 4-4.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements, there is shown in FIGURE 1 a representation of the fluid pumpdevice of the present invention designated generally at 1!).

A pneumatic activator 32 may be a conventional hand held type utilizedas a backfill earth tamper, or the like; the construction and operationthereof being described in my copending application, Serial No. 428, 812filed l'anuary 28, 1965, entitled Fluid Pump Means, and being so wellknown that a detailed description thereof is obviated here. Thepneumatic activator 12 has a pneumatic supply connection at fitting 14-and a control means at manual valve 16, which are common to suchactivators. A piston 13, within the pneumatic activator 12, is driven bycompressed air to reciprocate the rod member 2% extending, as shown,from end 19 of the activator. The activator 12 is an elongated, compacttype and its rod 2%) is adaptable for connection to the bottom tamperpad (not shown), when used as a tamper. Reciprocation of the rod 20 is,of course, inward and outward in reference to end 19, between the inwardand outward stroke limits indicated in phantom on FIGURE 2.

An elongated sleeve casing 25 receives the entire length of theactivator 12 and the rod 20* therein, as illustrated in FIGURE 1. Theenclosed end 27 of the casing 25 has an opening for insertion of thenipple portion 15 of the fitting 14 therethrough and-into engagementwith the pneumatic activator 12. In this manner, a connection to themotive pneumatic source (not shown) may be efiectuated. A lock nut 28,threadedly engaged around nipple 15, may be tightened to clamp end 27 ifthe casing 25 against the pneumatic activator, as shown, to securelyconnect the casing 25 and activator 12 together. An opening 29 in theside of the casing 25 provides an exhaust port for the activator 12.Thus, a pneumatic motive force for the activator is supplied andexhausted as indicated by the arrows entering fitting 14- and exiting atan exhaust port at opening 29.

It is to be noted that the sleeve casing 25 extends from the end 19 ofactivator 12 to beyond the outward stroke limit of rod 29, as may bebest ascertained by the detail of FIGURE 2. Thus, a hollow pump chamber30 is formed around the reciprocating rod member 26. A gas ket member 23may 'be secured at end 19. for a fiuid tight separation of the chamber30 and the activator 12. The gasket 23 may be of a suitable flexible anddurable material, such as leather, rubber or neoprene, which has beenappropriately shaped and with a central opening therethrough for passageof the reciprocating rod member 24).

The opposite, outward end of the chamber 30 is capped by a strainermember 32 which is threadedly engaged with the outward end of casing 25.The strainer member 32 has somewhat bell-bottomed configuration oflarger diameter than the casing 25 to provide a supporting stand for thefluid pump device 10 in the vertical disposition. Additional support maybe provided by the elongated foot elements 33 which are'pivoted on theflanges 34 extending at the sides of strainer member 32. Each flange 34is grooved corresponding to the extended positions of the foot elements33, which are received in the grooves to maintain the extended position.The foot elements 33 may be snapped into a retracted upright positionindicated by the dashed lines. A removeable plug 36 is provided at thebottom of the strainer member 32. A plurality of slots 37 are spacedaround the perimeter of the strainer member 32, as illustrated, toprovide an inlet to the chamber 30, which is slightly beyond the outwardstroke limit of rod 20. An additional inlet may be provided by removalof the plug 36, if desired. An outlet from the pump chamber 39 is shownat 38, which may include an appropriate fitting 39, such as a threadedelbow or the like, for connection to an inlet hose.

A piston member 49 is fastened at its hub 41 to the adaptable rod 20 bymeans of the machine bolt 43 A suitably shaped sealing member 45 isprovided at the outer perimeter of the piston 49 for a fluid-tight sealbetween the piston and chamber 30 during an inward stroke. The sealingmember 45 may be of a resilient material and of the cup type which losescontact with the casing 25 during the outward or compression stroke.This allows an inward flow of fluid around the sealing member 45 andreduces friction during the outward stroke. As shown, openings 47 inpiston 40 provide a mainly open interior for fluid flow therethrough. Aplurality of vanes 49 are provided in the piston 40 for rotation thereofas fluid flows therethrough. The rotary action dislodges foreign matterand promotes a more even wear.

A check valve in the piston 40 is provided by a movable cover plate 50.The cover plate 59 has a central opening for loose accommodation of therod 20 and is of a suflicient size and area to completely cover theopenings 47 of the piston. During an inward stroke of the rod 20, fluidpressure will force the plate 50 against the piston 40 to cover openings47 and prevent escape of fluid. Upon an outward stroke, fluid pressurewill move the plate 50 away from the piston, uncovering the openings 47and allowing an inward flow of fluid from the slots 37 to the outlet 38.The stop lug 55 limits movement of the plate 5% along rod 20 and awayfrom piston 40 to a desired distance. Thus, it may be clearlyvisualized, in the manner described, that the cover, plate 59 operatesas a check-valve allowing a one-way inward flow of fluid into thechamber 30.

Operation of the invented fluid pump device is very handy and easy. Dueto the devices elongated and compact configuration, it is very portableand may be conveniently placed at the pump site, such as in a sumpprepared therefor. The device 10 is stood in an upright position withthe strainer member 32 immersed in the' fluid to be pumped. Immersion ofthe strainer 32 also simultaneously primes the pump. The valve 16 isopened to admit pneumatic motive force to the activator 12, whichreciprocates the rod member 20. A latch 13 may be utilized to hold thevalve 16 open. The outward and inward movements of the piston 40 willcause a pumping action drawing fluid to flow inward through slots 37 andout the outlet 38. The resulting fluid flow will naturally draw anyforeign matter in the fluid along with it. The strainer member 32prevents the passage of large foreign bodies into the chamber 30 wherethey might damage piston 40. Normally, a large collection ofobstructions around a strainer will tend to clog it, however, theinvented fluid pump device 19 prevents clogging by repeatedly moving andagitating any obstructions collecting around the strainer member 32.Inward fluid flow is slightly impeded by the cover plate 50, causing aslight back pressure during the outward stroke to momentarily moveobstructions away from the strainer 32. When it is consideredthat a veryrapid reciprocation is furnished by the activator 12, it may beappreciated that any obstructions around the strainer member 12 will bein a constant state of agitation, yet allowing uninterruptedfluid flowthereby. Additionally, the immensely powerful stroke furnished by thepneumatic activator 12 and the close proximity of the piston 40 at theoutward stroke limit, to the strainer member 32,will dislodgeobstructions and produce vibrations for furtherdisplacement andagitation thereof. In fact, the vibrations and repeated displacementshave been found effective to break up some of the obstructing bodiesinto smaller particles which may pass through the pump. Furthermore, thepneumatic motive force of the activator 12 is very powerful andreliable, providing a fluid pump device 10 which 4 may be depended uponsince it is not easily clogged and stopped.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, ratherthan to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. A portable fluid pump device, comprising in combination: a pneumaticactivator including a reciprocating rod; a sleeve casing connected tosaid activator and providing a pump chamber around said rod, saidchamber having an inlet and an outlet; a piston attached to said rod forreciprocation therewith in said chamber; and a check-valve in saidpiston for a one-way fluid flow through said piston from said inlet tosaid outlet during the motion of said piston toward said inlet, saidinlet remaining open at all times to fluid flow therethrough in eitherdirection.

2. A fluid pump device in accordance with claim 1 including a sealingmeans between said activator and chamber for a fluid tight separationthereof, said means allow ing passage of said reciprocating rodtherethrough.

3. A portable fluid pump device, comprising in combination: a pneumaticactivator with a rod provided with a piston attached at one end thereoffor reciprocation between an outward and an inward stroke limit; asleeve casing connected on said activator to provide a pump chamberaround said rod, said chamber extending from said end to beyond saidoutward stroke limit and having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet beingbeyond said outward stroke limit; and a check-valve in said pistonproviding one-way fluid flow through said piston and chamber from saidinlet to said outlet during the motion of said piston toward said inlet,said inlet remaining open at all times and allowing fluid flowtherethrough in eitherdirection.

4. A fluid pump device in accordance with claim 3 wherein saidcheck-valve partially limits said flow therethrough to provide a slightback pressure in said chamber beyond said outward stroke limit andthereby cause an unclogging flow action at said inlet during an outwardstroke of said rod.

5. A fluid pump device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said inlet issufficiently near said outward stroke limit for an effectivedisplacement by said unclogging flow action of obstructions at saidinlet.

' 6. A fluid pump device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said inletis a plurality of slots spaced around the perimeter of said sleevecasing at an outermost end thereof, said slots allowing a radiallyinward passage of fluid to said chamber as obstructions to said slotsare re peatedly displaced by said unclogging flow action.

7. A fluid pump device in accordance with claim 6 wherein said rod isreciprocated at a rapid rate by said activator to provide an uncloggingflow action around said perimeter of said casing for a continualdisplacement of nected to said tamper activating device and havingopeningstherethrough for pneumatic supply and exhaust connectionsthereto, said pump chamber extending from said one end of said tamperactivating device to beyond said outward stroke limit and having aninlet and an outlet, said inlet being beyond said outward stroke limit;a sealing means at said one end of saidtamper activating de-,

vice for fluid tight separation therefrom of said chamber, a

said means having an opening for passage of said reciprocating rodtherethrough; a piston adapted for connection on said rod andreciprocation therewith in said chamber; and a check-valve in saidpiston providing one-way fluid flow therethrough from said inlet to saidoutlet during the motion of said piston toward said inlet, said inletremaining open at all times to fluid flow therethrough in eitherdirection.

9. An adaptor in accordance with claim 8 wherein said check-valvepartially limits said flow therethrough to provide a slight backpressure in said chamber beyond said outward stroke limit and therebycause an unclogging flow action at said inlet during an outward strokeof said rod, and wherein said inlet is sufficiently near said outwardstroke limit for an effective displacement by said unclogging flowaction of obstructions at said inlet.

10. An adaptor in accordance with claim 9 wherein said inlet is aplurality of slots spaced around the perimeter of said sleeve casing atan outermost end thereof, and said rod is reciprocated at a rapid rateby said tamper activator device to provide a continual unclogging flowaction around said perimeter of said casing for repeated displacement ofobstructions at said slots allowing a radially inward passage of fluidtherethrough to said chamber.

11. An adaptor in accordance with claim 9 including a resilient memberaround the outer perimeter of said piston to form a fluid tight sealbetween said piston and said chamber, said piston having a mainly openinterior for fluid flow therethrough, and said check-valve beingprovided by a movable cover plate covering said open interior of saidpiston and being movable in a direction away from said piston to allow aone-way fluid flow therethrough in said direction, said check-valveincluding a stopper lug on said rod limiting movement of said coverplate away from said piston.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 118,859 9/1871Jonson 103220 X 1,943,102 1/1934 Woodrufi 103178 X 2,060,180 11/1936Davis.

2,357,029 8/ 1944 Smith 103-50 X ROBERT M. WALKER, Primary Examiner.

1. A PORTABLE FLUID PUMP DEVICE, COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: A PNEUMATIC ACTIVATOR INCLUDING A RECIPROCATING ROD; A SLEEVE CASING CONNECTED TO SAID ACTIVATOR AND PROVIDING A PUMP CHAMBER AROUND SAID ROD, SAID CHAMBER HAVING AN INLET AND AN OUTLET; A PISTON ATTACHED TO SAID ROD FOR RECIPROCATION THEREWITH IN SAID CHAMBER; AND A CHECK-VALVE IN SAID PISTON FOR A ONE-WAY FLUID FLOW THROUGH SAID PISTON FROM SAID INLET TO SAID OUTLET DURING THE MOTION OF SAID PISTON TOWARD SAID INLET, SAID INLET REMAINING OPEN AT ALL TIMES TO FLOW THERETHROUGH IN EITHER DIRECTION. 